Kenya Sevens players turn to online fundraiser after alleged months of no pay

After an alleged long spell of no pay, Kenya Sevens players have taken to social media to ask for donations from well-wishers.

The Shujaa players, led by veteran Willy Ambaka and Billy Odhiambo, claimed that they are struggling owing to a lack of pay, with Ambaka noting that it has been three months since they were last paid by the Kenya Rugby Union.

Unable to provide for families

The players stated that they are unable to provide for their families and that their only alternative is to come forward and ask for assistance.

The players then shared an M-PESA Paybill no: 891300 with Account Number: 60365, which will be used to contribute funds and the contributions can also be made online via https://www.mchanga.africa/fundraiser/60365

" Greeting to the Kenya 7s Family! As some of you may have heard we are now going on our third month without pay. Our lives and those of our loved ones have been greatly strained, even in our persistent effort to give you the desired outcomes on the pitch," he tweeted.

"As we continue to train hard, we have had to deal with the daily life challenges of bills by digging through our savings and the efforts of a few local and international well wishers."

"Our desperate situation has now forced us to turn to you, our global community to help us in raising funds. The money raised will be split among the boys to help settle some of our pending bills - We need your assistance," he added.

"To make your contribution, kindly click on the link below to access the Kenya 7s M-Changa fund raiser or send your contribution to: *M-PESA Paybill no: 891300* *Account Number: 60365* Support Kenya 7s | M-Changa" his post concludes.

Ababu Namwamba intervention needed

The situation has received a lot of online attention, with supporters pleading with new Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to intervene and assist the suffering sportsmen.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has pledged to raise Kshs100,000 and revealed that he had already raised up the issue in the senate and hope the players will get help.

"I will start you off with 100k. We are proud of the work you are doing despite the difficulties. I have also raised this matter in Senate and last week the matter was taken up by the relevant committee. Help is on the way, hang in there. Ababu Namwamba hizi ni gani?," Sifuna tweeted.

The Kenya 7s fundraiser comes a week after Kenya Simbas boycotted training in Dubai before the final game of the Repechage. Hemingway's came on board and gave the side funds that were used to pay the players allowances which saw the side honour the match against Hong Kong.

The Kenya Rugby Union is without a sponsor for the sevens squad after the exit of Bidco and Tusker.